Tag Archives: ST104

BAFE has released the documentation for the revision of its fire extinguisher maintenance/service scheme (SP101). This is now available via the BAFE website (www.bafe.org.uk/sp101-2017), with the revision coming into effect from 1 October 2017.

In April last year, after a lengthy consultation period, BAFE launched the review of its fire extinguisher maintenance (SP101/ST104) scheme with the creation of a scheme revision group chaired by Dave Russell. Over the last year, which has included a public consultation, changes have been made to update, enhance and strengthen the scheme.

The revised SP101 scheme continues to provide the best assurances to the industry and its customers of what defines a quality provider of fire extinguisher services in today’s market and also updates and strengthens the role of the fire extinguisher technician.

A BAFE-registered fire extinguisher technician has always been the defining way of acknowledging that a competent person is working on a given premises. This has now been enhanced further by including additional technical competence to the revised sections of BS 5306: Fire Extinguishing Installations and Equipment on Premises as well as requirements for having training in asbestos awareness and Health and Safety procedures.

The technician competency portfolio used by the BAFE assessors has also been reviewed, ensuring that all technicians who gain the esteemed BAFE Diploma continue to be the best in the industry. Passing the BS 5306 examination is only the first step in demonstrating understanding of the relevant standards to work competently in the field.

The scheme now also offers a dual route option. When the revised scheme goes live in October, organisations can gain third party certification via an ISO 9001 or a Management System route.

Both routes use the same audit criteria for fire extinguisher competencies, however, offering peace of mind for those individuals specifying a certified, competent provider that a BAFE-registered company with proficient technicians is an assured quality decision.